Olympus M4/3 Landscape Photo Gear + Q&A 

Still here, right at the end, that was a very interesting half hour, David. I especially concur with your final philosophical answer about photography - I shoot to please myself and any social media likes are a bonus rather than a target. If people don't like my work, then that's their loss in my view.

Very nice. Your relaxed style reminds me a bit of youtuber David Thorpe, who sadly passed away recently.

I've always wondered by Olympus MFT is not more popular with landscape photographers. Most scenes are shot at low ISO, so noise is not really a valid concern. In many cases, a large DoF is desired and actually an issue on larger sensors where you need to focus stack. Longer lenses are smaller and easier to carry. The image stabilization allows you to shoot most scenes without a tripod. High-res mode gives you access to 80MP - and it'll work for most scenes where I saw Fuji medium format shooters not having any issues with focus stacking multiple exposures in post. My main lens on the E-M1 III is the 12-100 f4. Brilliant lens. It's almost always glued to the camera. The only other lens that gets close to getting that much use, is my 25mm f1.2.

Watched it all the way through David, and a big thumbs up for everything you said.

Hi Dave, yep right here at the end too. Great tip, be kind! Encouragement is the way

I stayed for all because it was very much worth it!! thanks so much. (using OMD-E-M1 Mark lll and Panasonic G9) OM for many many years. I'm 84.

I stayed to the end, the time flew by. Some really beautiful images here, I think my favourite is the Llyn Peninsula with sand and grasses in the foreground, absolutely gorgeous.

I could listen to waffle on about photography as long as you want as I always gain a nugget or two of useful information. Nice to see you are still at it, by that I mean manipulating pixels. Happy shooting & stay safe.

Brilliant insight to gear mate. Glad to see you make use of the system and capitalise it’s strengths. Take care mate and hope to catch up with you soon. J

All creative art is personal,I agree it’s wrong to tell someone they arn’t any good.It’s about being in touch with what inspires you to create an image.My view is photographers with the drive to create should look at every other photographers work and also all other forms of art and let it inspire you,but not then try to exactly copy what others have done but have a freedom of expression that comes from within.Be open to constructive criticism if you wish to show others,yet not worry what people might think of your work.

Re. Your final statement in the video. As one of the three remaining viewers I'd just like to mention that I believe this is the third time I have faithfully sat to the bitter end of this excellent production! Thanks David.

Another great interesting video lovely images. I really loved the one at Llanddwyn Island beautiful. It really lifted my spirits after wat has been a difficult few weeks after the illness and death of my little friend Tyson my Yorkshire Terrier. I liked what you said at end of the last question that was very respectful. I myself am only using my phone for a few years now. There not great but I'm happy. Nice day today I think a trip to Bodorgan Station to film and photograph some trains this afternoon would be nice. Keep up the great work you video are allways so informative and entertaining allways happy to see new ones when they come.

You have a real eye for composition and balance within the frame and then the lighting etc.Very nice images,thanks for sharing.I’ve also been happy with my Olympus M43 and often carry one where I wouldn’t have taken my full frame.

Enjoyable video on your thoughts on gear without overdoing it. Sorry I missed the live show David, it seems I haven’t been getting notifications even though I’ve subscribed (and clicked the bell)

Good stuff Mr. D Griff! I shoot Olympus because I like it. I have 2 EM1Xs for wildlife and the dusty ol desert in the southwest USA, I use an EM5 Mkiii for YT videos, and an EM10 Mkii for ultra easy hiking. I shoot Nikon Df for Astro. I shoot film because ..well .. I like to. I have 4 35mm film cams and two TLRs for fun. I have a website for my stuff, not many visits, that's cool, I do it mostly for my family to see what I'm up to, same with my YT videos, and also with Flickr. I shoot for me!

A good watch and enjoyable David, I don't use Olympus but understand why people do. I use Fuji after years of being a Nikon user as far back as the film days. I use them because I like what they do and are fun to use. Critique, doesn't analysis sound much kinder? Club judges whose work is worse than the photos they are judging, really get me annoyed. Like you, I do what I want in the way I want to do it. The best quote I have heard this last week was by the great Harry Callahan who said "Being a member of a camera club helped define the type of photographer I didn't want to be".

Well David, I watched it to the end….as always. I’m a Lumix MFT enthusiast and very much enjoy and appreciate your work and commentary. Lumix ambassadors could well take note and be of similar service to their brand followers but much of what you cover is of great value to me. Thank you for your continuing contribution to the MFT community. Douglas Anderson, Calgary Alberta

Thanks you for your sharing your photography, time and experience with us. I really enjoy watching your channel and marvel at all the images you have created. Cheers 😊

added bonus of the olympus pro lenses is that now you're fully weather sealed and no longer need to faff about with trying to protect the body or the lens when conditions get a bit squirrely

I love the M43 system. I have an EM1 Mark III with Pro lenes. I sell my work on line and at galleries and have never had a buyer say "oh, I'm not buying your work because it wasn't shot with a FF camera".

Although I don’t do a huge amount of landscape photography and I don’t use the micro four thirds system, I always enjoy watching your channel. Your calm, knowledgeable, modest and always pleasant approach is a real joy to watch. Keep the excellent and fascinating work. Alun

I love Olympus cameras and still have all my lenses, an old OM and my first digital camera was the E500, the images from both still please me immensely . Great video David.

I usually say something good just to be nice, but you have the skills and talent for sure. And your pictures are really good!

Very helpful, I sometimes get caught up in the gear wars, but I find for enjoying photography, I always grab my Olympus.

Hi David, you have given me priceless advice regarding lenses. A recent trip to the West Coast of Scotland proved my need for a weather sealed len,s. (have the EM1), was rushing trying to get shot,s between storm,s. You recommended the 14 to 150mm, however the 12 to 50mm will suffice. Cheaper, lighter. Restricted to low level stuff due to heart condition. Still have 40 to 150mm for calmer day,s. Maybe the 12 to 40mm Pro at a later date. Thank you for an excellent V,log.

A brilliant half hour David. And just remember that some people are only happy when they are criticising others or are constantly moaning about something or other. Just keep them coming mate and as always the pics are brilliant and we all learn from each others techniques and ideas. All the very best to you and yours from not so sunny Devon.

Good topic. I've noted in comments before that I have a full 4/3 (Olympus) and FF kit. About 80% of the time, I'm carrying the 4/3 for my day hikes and when not expecting to blow up images to larger sizes. I adore my Olympus gear and find it does a magnificent job on the trail, especially on steep ones. In addition, it's wonderful for birding when matched up with the Leica/Pano 200-400.

I agree with the "be gentle" way of comments. I envy the photographic teams, where the partner reviews and removes the "ugly" comments before the taker even has to seen them. What they don't see wont hurt them.

Like your viewpoint about gear! To use what is convenient for you and not to get caught in the gear syndrome.

I am still watching but I did not need to ask any questions I just knew you would let everybody know the answers before you read them! Personally I believe pictures at the taking stage are very personal after that they are there to be shared and you will always get some know all who knows better but you never seem to see any of their pictures I wonder why. I am glad you gave a hint of this at the end of your talk. Yes it was a long talk but I knew there would be some great pictures at the end. I am so glad to hear you are happy with the equipment you enjoy using you certainly know how to use it. Thank you for explaining things in a friendly manner......

Some very wise words at the end. I always say that my photography may be rubbish but it's my rubbish ? I'm just an enthusiast, so I'm a great beliver in good used equipment that may not be the latest and greatest! Finally, Trying to bring out the camera while walking our Border Collie is a no no. He must be observed at all times ! 😹 Enjoyed your comments 📷👍

I agree with your attitude on gear. I’m quite happy with my long-in-the-tooth Nikon 7100 crop-sensor DSLR, which has ample resolution and user-friendly layout of controls.In fact, its video and many of its advanced capabilities are much more than I need. Its lack of a flip screen is minor shortcoming that does not warrant a new camera.

Thanks, you have many interesting points here. Sometimes, I go back and look at my old work and wonder, what was I thinking! How could I edit so badly. We all do this journey and we will always evolve in new styles or mature in the much more complicated matter of evaluating our own work.

Guess I'm one of those 3 people. LOL. Interesting to hear your thoughts on the Olympus and your choice of lenses. Dare I say it? I'm currently a Canon shooter but have been looking into Olympus. Mainly for wildlife as you like you say Mr. G., they have some really lightweight gear. Loved that 2nd image of the sunrise. Just beautiful. I couldn't agree more, be nicer people....unless invited don't offer critique....great advice.

Well, I stayed to the end and was happy to do so. A very interesting video with some magnificent images. And I couldn't agree more with your answer to the final question.

Loved seeing your progression with gear,[non gearhead indeed] I have sold my 12-40 to help finance the purchase of a 12-100mm, sold my 300mmPro to finance a 7-14 and filters,a 17mm f1.8, a 45mm f1.8 and a 75mm f1.8..had enough left over to get a Lumix 100-300 for when the desire for a long shot proves too strong. Along with my 40-150mm Pro I have almost everthing covered . Only carry what I need and thankfully have no mountains or high hills to climb..Australiais an old country and we have worn our mountains down ;} Great vid by the way along with your usual outstanding images.

Great final comment. Criticism in the right way is a skill that unfortunately too many people don’t have. I never understand why people find the need to be sarcastic or sometimes just rude.

The 12-40mm pro lens allows for the macro flash unit to be attached which can be useful to capture exceptionally detailed images of smaller subjects and on the philosophical note: nothing now will matter in a million years, so who cares anyway unless its for shutter stock.

I liked your comments that your camera still fulfills your requirements so not bothering about bigger and better models. A chap I know recently switched from Olympus E-M1 mk3 to a new Sony A for the full frame sensor - however he fully admits the Sony build quality is nowhere near as good as Olympus and is just waiting to see how long until the rain and moisture will wreck it!

Well David, I watched it till the end and I have to say that it was very informative, I'm afraid I still only use an old 35mm camera and really enjoy it, however, I fully intend to also (but not instead) start with digital be it only second hand equipment especially to begin with. Lastly, I totally agree that any Photography is a very personal thing and should be viewed with that in mind.

Some interesting reflections. I use virtually the same equipment. You forgot one important point. We can bring an extra sweater and a thermoflask of coffee and still carry less weight than many who prefer the bigger cameras! Stay safe and have fun.

Fab pictures, and I like your very generous answer to the last question 👍

Beautiful images! Whenever someone puts down the micro 4/3 system, I'll show them your wonderful pictures!

Love your confidence and personal reflection regarding needs and your choices in lenses. Thank you for your attention to detail. Your work is excellent!

I recently used Live Comp at a light painting class. It’s absolutely incredible and easy to use.

Very enjoyable video…it must have been…I rarely watch any videos right to the end without a few clicks of fast forwarding (a result of our digital era reduced attention span I suspect). Tend to agree with your philosophy that it’s not the gear or the cost of it…it’s the results that count. Thanks for YOUR time in making this video.

Thanks very much for your wise suggestions and advice on landscapes. Very practical approach to photography and gear, I learnt a lot.

I’m still here at the end! Enjoyed this very much. Lovely images - the depth of color in your pictures is always quite wonderful.

Well I was one of the three who stayed the course. 🤣🤣 Enjoyed the images and your sensible chat as always.

We have the exact same Olympus set up. Love it. 😀

Sorry I missed it live. I, like you, love the light weightiness of MFT system (I use Lumix g9 & both Lumix and Olympus lenses). I recently got a used Panasonic 100-300 for some wildlife hunting and even it is the limit of how heavy I want to carry around and it is crazy light compared to FF versions. My bag is noticeably heavier then with my 45-200 in it.

Very interesting video reveling your secrets, buuut If I copy all your equipment, have severals of them, I never get the same image, because photography is more than the equipment. a The master is a master. Thanks for teach us how you works.

Some great images there David. You've got a great eye for composition.

Loved it, verbalised my thinking exactly. EM5 mk 2 retired, EM1 mk2 my only camera. 12-40, 40-150 and 7-14 all f2.8. About 60% of images shot on the 40-150, 35% on 12-40. The 7-14 mostly only for astro. Just take care of the fussy lenshood on the 40-150, I have had 2 fail, apparently the glue used is suspect. Going to replace it with the new 100-400 lenshood which is a good old fashioned simple job, no fussy retracting mechanisms. Olympus Europe service division has been wonderful, both efficient and fast.

Great video really enjoyed it, one of the reasons i have stuck with Pentax apsc is that I have got to really know how it works so don't have to think about it in the field and another bonus is that all my gear is secondhand at pretty reasonable prices. So similar philosophies on gear I feel.

Great video on why you shot with MFT. I also shot with Olympus, also for the size advantage. I have upgraded my E-M1 MkII with the E-M1 MkIII. For me it was a nice upgrade. I find the Live ND feature very useful for taking waterfalls and oceans. The improved stabilization has gotten me handholding instead of using a tripod more. The Starry Sky AF really does work great. The 12-100/4.0 is a great one lens solution. The 12-40/2.8 and the 40-150/2.8 are great lenses. My 40-150/42.8 is my most used lens. I have brought the new 8-25/4.0 and it is another great lens. The last few times out I had the 8-25/4.0 and the 40-150/2.8 for a nice two lens solution. The Peak Design tripod is great. I am always amazed at the engineering and design of this tripod. Like always I really enjoy your photos plus your wisdom.

Tell your Sony mates to look at the Tamron 28-200. 575g and great, great quality. I am that impressed that I sold my 24-70 2.8 GM lens as it just wasn't getting used (and I have the 16-35 to cover the wide range)

Hi David. Referring to that last bit. Wise words from a wise man..in this case Photographer. Basically it just boils down to having decent proper moral skills...Principles. Not this toxic nonsense that a few use to try and make themselves out to improve their own shortcomings. I read so many forums and comments...and just come away in disbelief on how easy people resort to argument and ...absolute bollocks to promote their position...only and just for Arguments sake!. It gives me hope there's still the odd sensible fella like you around to calm things down a little. Just my twopence worth!. By the way...love your Photography. 👌

Made it right through to the end! Brilliant video, thankyou. I always enjoy your style, it’s like we’re right there with you having an enjoyable chat. Spot on about critique also.

Great info and so nice to see a photographer not trying to push the latest and expensive gear and still getting great results as you always do. Live in Kent and went to the Brecon Beacons early this year and after watching you got a week in November near port Merion so snowdonia and Anglesey are well on the list as hoping for some atmospheric images, please keep them coming as your soft and sincere tones are a joy to listen to.

I use 2 EM1 MkII bodies, love them, I always buy secondhand! I will be purchasing the Kase system, thank you for your help on that.

Right to the bitter end. 😁 Well, not so bitter perhaps. I got some useful tid bits out of that Dave. I do like the look of that Kase filter system, and wholeheartedly agree with your final point. Mind you, I have to say that. 😀

I was hesitating about my Olympus camera being good enough for landscape photography but after watching your video I realise that it is me that is not good enough at landscape photography yet. I will keep working on it. Thank you. You have a new subscriber cheers.

I've just discovered your channel, I like the content alot. I recently bought an E-M1 Mk I for a very good price and I want to prove that this camera from 2013 still can shoot very nice photos. I use it with vintage Canon FD lenses which are known for their amazing quality. Yes, they are quiet heavy and I use a focal reducer, but it is quiet satisfying to be able to take great photos with a 8 years old body and 40 years old manual lenses. Bonjour de Montréal, Québec 🙂

Dave, sorry Mr G!, I love listening to your sensible advice on gear. I 100% agree..... Unfortunately for me, depending on requirements, I use Olympus, Panasoni, Nikon and Leica. OMG what a bafoon!.... I just love it all. When I was paid as a pro in mid 80s to 90s I solely used Nikon F100 and F5.... But since the digital age I just love it ALL. I also have to totally agree with your comment on making videos. Although I want to make loads to pop up on RU-vid I feel its killing the moment for me. I would rather focus on taking photographs and enjoying the moment.

Loved the video David and especially the photographs. They certainly challenge the view that M43 images are poor quality. Like you I opted for light weight equipment for hiking. I currently use a Panasonic GX85 (GX80 in the UK) and the Olympus 14-150mm. This lens is virtually glued to my camera and fits nicely in a Crumpler sling bag. I also use the Olympus 75-300mm for wildlife. I used to have the Olympus 9-18mm but this got broken when a heavy wind gust blew my tripod over and smashed the lens. As for peoples views I totally agree. Photography is personal. for me I take photographs for me and thats all I care about. If I get 5 great images in a year that I really like then I am a very happy boy. Most of mine get deleted when I come back. The focus in the outdoors not the images per se. I look forward to your future videos.

Thanks for another informed video. Second-hand is definitely what I do for cameras and lenses as it's pointless to throw money at the latest and greatest. I am looking to get into bird photography with the Olympus system

Many thanks for that explanation DG - much appreciated. I use magnetic too so this now makes sense. Diolch yn fawr.

Wow I only sent in 3 questions and you addressed them all. A fantastic watch as always and I have to concur with your comments about being nice. As someone who enters my camera club competitions I have found it somewhat demoralising to be told an image of a sunset is no good because of the judge's personal taste and it's is always enlightening to see how the same image is critiqued by different judges. p.s. I had already bought Black Diamond poles ready for my trip to Ynys Mon in two weeks time.

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Your straight forward and frank explanations and answers to queries are like a breath of fresh air. Your no nonsense approach to photography equipment also impresses me. I wish I could be like you instead of constantly changing cameras, lenses, etc., almost every time new models are released! After watching this video, I have promised myself that instead of constantly chasing the latest, newest and most technically advanced gear, I shall try to concentrate on getting to know my current camera and lenses inside out and back to front. Thank you David for your very helpful and sensible advice. Alun

I don't own any graduated filters, nor have I used any, and perhaps I am wrong in my assumptions, but is seems to me that circular graduated filters would kind of arbitrarily set the horizon near or nearer the center of the frame than one may desire. I mean you can't really lift them or lower them to where you may want, especially with magnetic ones. Wouldn't rectangular filters that can slide up and down be preferable? Or perhaps one merely globs on various strengths of circular filters to stop things down where desired? Would rectangular filters be superior?

Awesome, you proof how M43 is much capable produces such stunning picture even videos. Really like your workflow.👍👍👍

24:06 I appreciate such an extensive and instructive answer. I plan to do a vlog series about the Miura peninsula, so want to take some stills that present its size, shape and contours. But as you say, a twenty-odd mile long chersonese is a tricky thing to capture (26 miles in the case of Miura - a marathon-sized length - hey, there's an idea!). Mind you, Miura is absolutely dwarfed by the two peninsulae that flank it (Boso and Izu, respectively). Your various pics of the Llŷn peninsula have given me plenty of ideas to go forward with. Thank you for spending a decent chunk of your clip taking the time to share your thoughts and images. Much appreciated. Oh, by the way, I got the idea for my channel name, by looking at a relief map of Japan - I do have terrible eyesight, but to me it looks like a dragon, sitting there in the ocean :) Johnny.

I enjoyed this Dave, thank you. Your images really are excellent and are always worth another viewing. Kind regards Robin

I've only just discovered your channel and have found you on Instagram also. I look forward to going through your videos over the next few days. I started out with Olympus in 2017 and my main passion is landscape but do like to dabble in all photography styles. All the best from the UK.

Really nice and informative video. Thank you so much 📸. I am enjoying your kind and friendly mannerisms. It makes everything so special and a joy to watch. Kind regards from Norway 🇳🇴

What a wonderful landscape you live in and such wonderful ‘fairylike’ pictures. I’ve been using Olympus for many years and also the ‘jurassic’ E-1 with only 5 mp but what beautiful colours. My everyday camera is the Em-1 (1) and still my favourite mft camera and use my old FT lenses of which the 50-200 is my alltime favourite. Thank you for your wonderful and practical video’s🙏🏻🍀

Always interesting to peek into other people's kit. I'm afraid you'll have to pry my M. Zuiko 12-100 out of my cold, dead hands. No way I'd give it up voluntarily.

Great video and excellent photography. Thanks for the advice and suggestions. Much appreciated. I understand the Olympus MFT dilemma. I've been torn between FF and MFT. I shoot Sony but I can't let go of my Olympus. I am fully emerged and invested in both systems (a7R3 and EM1 Mk3). Again, great photography. I love the composition and the colors. Thanks for sharing and good day from Miami, Florida.

It’s great to see your photographs. Very helpful.

It is a very interesting selection of lenses. Currently I'm using 12-50mm for my landscape photography and was thinking to replace it with 12-100 eventually but size and price was keeping me back. For some reason I totally neglected 14-150 option, but now I'll give it another thought. I also have 75-300 wich I don't plan to replace it yet.

Always watch to the end Mate and your final point is so true. Encouragement and helpful advice is more beneficial than outright criticism. We are all on a learning journey and the best way to learn is to watch and listen to quality advice........ that's why I listen to you and not Gary, 😂😂, only joking!! Thanks for sharing Mate and take care, 👍📸

I’ve tried the Nikon Z6 for FF and Z50 for lightweight travel, and although they have their merits and strengths, I just compose and shoot better with Olympus. My Olympus kit is identical to yours, except I keep a pen f for a second body. The reality is all along I was happy and didn’t know it. I fell for the hype, spent stupid money and wasted valuable time that I could have been out making photos and being happy.

Great views at the end and couldn’t agree more.

Another great video, sir. I stuck with you until the very end, so I must be one of your three!! 😆 Totally agree with your final sentiments.

enjoy your videos. I'm now leaning towards m43 for mountain outings, let's see.

Definitely worth a click on the “like”button. Your easy going style is very refreshing!

Far from being bored I was very interested in what you have to say re. equipment. A year ago I bought a G9 and GX9 and have mostly used both since; Especially the GX9, because of it's weight and size. It literally comes everywhere with me, attached to a 12-60mm kit lens. The major influences in this buying decision were yourself and Steve O'nion. I went with Panasonic because Olympus has (to me) an unintuitive menu system. While I am not a Luddite, I do struggle with menus at the best of times, so do not wish to complicate matters for myself. I have avoided Sony like the plague because of it's notoriously awkward menu system. For me, my Nikon D810 is easier to operate than my little Sony DSC-H70, which has a way too obscure menu for a point and shoot camera, although it does take very acceptable pictures when set up right. My MFT system of two cameras and a 35mm equiv. lens range from 24mm to 600mm, plus tripod and pano slider weighs 7.5 lbs including the backpack. The Nikon full frame (carrying the DSC-H70 as backup camera) with a lens range from 20mm to 300mm, weighs 24lbs including backpack and tripod. Which to carry when snow-shoeing up the local mountains in Western Maine, is a 'no brainer', as my grandson would say. I photograph for my own satisfaction and don't give a rats bum what anyone else thinks. Yours is a great channel, and I am glad you apparently do not feel the need to go out and take mediocre photos, in poor light conditions, just to fulfill the vlog obligation every week.

Brilliant talk , grabbed my attention straight away , thinking of switching to the om1 , so torn , mainly used the bigger full frame cameras , but getting older now , can’t decide between the om1 or canon r6 , think you swayed me , brilliant pictures keep up the good work , visiting snowdon in July 😊

Stayed till the end and thoroughly enjoyed it 👌. Other people can be so cruel especially when theres an up coming photogropher in the mist. Some "professionals" like to play the game of (( my dads bigger than your dad 😡)) and that's the reason I prefer to go out by myself. Keep up the good vlogs & looking forward to your " hint" of another mountain one 🙂

Enjoyable video with a great message at the end.

Thanks, although it was a long one, it was an insightful one.

Some great advice Dave, particularly about attitudes in photography 👍 Like you, I glaze over when it comes to gear, but I did watch this video in its entirety, because you've always got good and helpful thoughts to share.

Hi Dave, very interesting video, for the same reasons as you describe I use the Lumix GX8 and the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8. I also rarely use it open at f/2.8 but I find at f/6.3 I get nice sharp, crisp images.

Thanks David, as ever enjoyed it. 👍

Thanks for the last response. Btw, love your videos !! I cannot speak but for my gear (starting the trip of photography) is an Em10mii with 12-50 .. and love it :)

Fantastic images David. I shoot with a used E-M5 and a used 12 to 40 f2.8 and have no interest in purchasing a new camera. I just finished a calendar project and the images are great. Loved the video.

Very interesting and good advice. Good channel to give suggestion of new routes and places to visit. Weight is important to me use similar kit but fuji. All systems are superb these days

Watched till the end and found it very interesting David 👍👌

As a "walkabout" camera, bought the Pen 5, allmost pocketable,(depending on len,s), in conjunction with Lumix 20mm F1.7, superb. Ok no EVF, ex expensive add on, can be an advantage, in street for example, useing tilt screen, no one know,s your taking a shot, a Lady freind has the Pen F, (and I,m very jealous), not just a camera, a work of art.